New Forest Murder Accused Remanded In Custody

17 September 2014, 15:22 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has appeared in court again charged with the murder of a mother-of-five in the New Forest.

Justin Robertson, 36, of no fixed abode, is accused of murdering 47-year-old Penelope Davis, known as Pennie, on Tuesday 2 September.

He appeared before Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday 17 September and was remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing on 18 December.

Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man, one of three people arrested yesterday, has been released on bail until next month while investigations continue.

The two others, a 29-year-old man and 28-year-old woman, have been released with no further action being taken against them.

Leanne Doyle, 24, of Beech Crescent, Hythe, was charged with assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice. She has been bailed and is due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 1 October.

Following the death of the supermarket worker, her family said in a statement: "We are devastated by the death of our beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

"Pennie was a remarkable person. She was a devoted mother of five children who worked hard to ensure that they had everything they needed.

"She cared for and supported them in everything they did.

"In May she married her love, Pete, at a joyful occasion surrounded by her loved ones.

"Pennie was the kind of woman who once she became your friend she was a friend for life.

"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and grief that her death has caused.

"She was particularly close to her mother who is devastated by her death and who joins the whole family in appealing to everyone for help in finding the perpetrator of this crime."

Crimestoppers also offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people, or person, responsible for Mrs Davis's brutal murder.

Mrs Davis's children, Sophie, Alex, Georgia, Daniel and Josef, and her husband released a statement through police describing the week since her murder as "long'' and "agonising'' and said they had been "overwhelmed by love and support''.

Following Mrs Davis's death, Mr Davis, their children and Mrs Davis's parents visited the paddock, leaving flowers with messages from each member of the family.

One of her daughters, Georgia, left a note saying: "Dearest mum, you were a goddess. I swear I'll make you proud. I like to think you're sitting there, watching on a cloud. You had so much more to give. You had so much more to do. But now I'll be your legacy. I'll do it all for you.

"You climbed the highest mountains, you walked the longest plains, you'll never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts. I love you to the moon and back.''

Anyone with information should contact the Hampshire Constabulary Operation Biscotti investigation team on 101, or Crimestoppers on either 0800 555111 or through its anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.